Spirits, Spooks and Perlers: be marry for the time of Hallowmas is upon us once again. The origins of Halloween (All Hallows Day Eve) go back
many centuries (so some historians would have us believe). While many cultures
indeed have a harvest festival, Halloween is more than just that. One this
day, it is said that the veil between life and the hereafter is whisper thin.
Traditionally, it is today that the living may attempt to get advice from
departed family. Not everyone wants a conference with the deceased and so
they attempt to ward off the dead with carved squash, turnips and pumpkins.
Halloween, as adapted by the Christian church, also has a strong mendicant
tradition. Food, particularly pastries, are left outside for the “wandering
dead,” (i.e. beggars). In the US after World War II, small towns
hosted Halloween or Harvest festivals to keep mischievous youths occupied
during the night most associated with vandalism. In this way, Halloween in
the US became associated with children, rather than adults.

It’s been many years since I went out Trick or Treating. I do have fond
memories of running wildly from house to house getting candy and terrorizing
the other kids on the street. There is some weird element to this holiday that
makes it my favorite time of the year.